The Law of Guardians and Conservators: Southern States   Tags: family_law  

The law of Guardians and Conservators is primarily state based and therefore varies somewhat from state to state.  Although every state has laws that apply to guardians, some states do not have laws that apply to conservators.  In states that have both classifications a guardian is normally classified as a guardian of the person, they “possess any or all powers and rights with regard to the personal affairs of the individual, including placement, medical, educational, rehabilitation, and social aspects of the care of the person”.  Whereas a conservator also called a guardian of the estate, is an individual who “possesses any or all powers and rights with regard to the property of the individual”.
Each state has guardian and conservator laws, which are based on the needs and conditions of each state.  Although the laws of each state vary most states follow the provisions of Uniform laws, which are produced by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, as a model when enacting their own laws.
This research guide is intended to assist the attorney who is new to the practice of law in the area of guardianship or conservatorship.  Although every state has its own laws this research guide is focused on the statutory laws of the southern states, which for purposes of this guide consists of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Kimberly Renee Cameron is a 3rd year law student at Georgia State University College of Law.  This web-research guide was completed for the Advanced Legal Research Course taught by Prof. Nancy Johnson, during the Spring 2005 semester.

Bibliographies on this Web site were prepared for educational purposes by law students as part of Nancy P. Johnson's Advanced Legal Research course. The Law Library does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided. Thorough legal research requires a researcher to update materials from date of publication; please note the semester and year the bibliography was prepared.